Swan Districts young gun Steed reflects on rapid rise

From missing out altogether as a bottom-ager to becoming AAMI WA Football State 18s co-captain and touted as a potential first-round draft pick, Swan Districts rising star Leo Steed has enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2026.

The exciting midfielder-forward, who has drawn comparisons with dual Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale and Fremantle gun Caleb Serong, is a chance to be the first West Aussie called out in the AFL National Draft this year after an impressive start to his senior WAFL career with the Black Ducks.

Steed revealed he used the disappointment of last year’s omission for the State 18s Boys squad as motivation to fuel his career-best season as he heads into his first AFL National Under-18s Championship campaign.

“There was definitely some extra motivation to break into the State 18s winter squad off the disappointment of last year,” Steed said.

 

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“I still hold a little grudge as I feel it adds fuel to the fire and I still really want to prove myself.”

Steed has been a consistent contributor for Swan Districts’ seniors this season, averaging 13.3 disposals, 3.5 tackles and kicking six goals across his first seven games in a dual midfield-forward role.

The 18-year-old felt he would take plenty of confidence out of his league performances heading into the AFL National Under-18s Championship.

“I put my consistency on the field down to the consistent stuff I do off the field, such as not missing a gym session, getting extra touch sessions in and really listening to coaches to execute my role on game day,” he explained.

“I will take heaps of confidence from senior footy as I feel it has really developed me and prepared me well for the National Championship.”

Leo Steed in action during a State 18s trial game against the WAFL Under-20s. Credit: Adam Crane/Salt Diaries

Steed has credited Swan Districts skipper Jesse Turner and fellow league regular Luke Kelly in particularly for helping his smooth transition into senior ranks.

“The seniors boys have really taken me under their wing and looked after me,” Steed said.

“One that stands out is Jesse Turner who has showed me what it takes to play at league level and given me the confidence to believe I belong.

“Another guy who has really helped me and supported me is Luke Kelly, he’s a great guy and has really made the effort to get me involved.”

Off the field, the Bunbury product couldn’t be more thankful of the Walsh family – including his State 18s teammate and 2027 No.1 draft prospect Axel – for welcoming him in their family home.

Steed opened up about his early struggles adjusting to the big smoke in Perth as a Year 10 boarder at Wesley College before settling in, describing it as “the best thing to ever happen to me”.

“I made the move in Year 10 where I moved to boarding school at Wesley College,” Steed recalled.

“I struggled to adapt to the lifestyle early on but after a few weeks I didn’t look back and boarding was the best thing to ever happen to me.

Over the pre-season I went back to Bunbury and did lots of my training down there, travelling to Perth 2-3 times a week for the WA Football Summer Squad program.

“I then moved in with the Walsh family in early February.

They have made the transition so easy as they’re amazing people and take really good care of me and I couldn’t be more grateful.

“It’s also nice to have Axel around as a brother I never got to have from my initial family.”

Steed was honoured to be voted in by his peers as State 18s co-captain alongside Claremont midfielder George Gale, who he felt was the ultimate professional.

After a one-win campaign last year, Steed backed the Black Ducks to “shock a few teams” and potentially win it all.

“It means a lot to me to be voted in by my teammates as co-captain as it shows their trust in me. I feel very honoured,” Steed said.

George has been unbelievable this year and couldn’t be happier to co-captain with him.

He’s very professional and is a great leader. You can tell he works hard on his craft and I feel it has really shown in his on-field performances.

“I really believe we can win the National Championship as I feel we’re the underdogs and have the ability to shock a few teams.

“For an individual perspective, I hope to have a strong carnival playing my role to help the improvement of the team.”